Psalm 73

It is easy to look that those without God and stand amazed at their seeming abundance. But when we ponder their life and compare them to God's people we see the vast difference in the joy promised us and the punishment of which they are already assured. The real treasuers are with God. The greatest rewards are already prepared for those who trust in God with all their being. I think that is part of the mindset that Jesus seeks to develope in all of his people.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

2 Samuel 11-13

Chapter 12 verses 15 through 23 recounts David's reactions to God's punishment. God confronted David with his sin of adultry and murder so that he could take Bathsheba as his wife. David's confession permitted God to apply his grace and remove David's sin, but there one consequence of these sins was that the child born of the adultry would die. Dav I'd appealed to the LORD who had forgiven him for 7 days. But God was faithful to the word he had given Nathan and the child died. To the king's servants David's actions were confusing. If he moured while the child was alive what would he do when the child died. But David's fasting was not from a heart in mourning but from a heart of hope that the God of peace would restore the child. When God confirmed his judgement against David by allowing the child to die David did what he always did: he worshipped God. That is a powerful example of faith the I need to develope in my life as well.
It took me about 13 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Psalm 72

This psalm is a prayer for the king. It is an excellent prayer for every leader of any nation. For the nations that fear the LORD will survive. I thing the psalm reflects the attributes that God seeks to develope in every leader. Whether they lead a family, a congregation, or an office complex. There is a need to ethical behavior and right judgements in every situation. That is not always an easy task. So this psalm also gives the example of a wise follower: pray for those who lead. That is very often easier said than done.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this psalm.
Stuart

2 Samuel 8-10

Remembering our covenant with God is important. Being faithful to that promise is critical. But God also expects us to respond to others in the same manner of honestly, humility, and integrity as we deal with him. When David was established as king over all Israel he remembered the covenant that he had made with Jonanthan and sought out some means to pour out that residual love on Jonathan's family. Chapter 9 tells how he sought out Mephibosheth. It would have been expected that the new king would kill everyone of the household of the former king. But David knew his throne was secured by God's hand. Therefore he didn't waste political power on the task of strengthening his throne; he honored his covenant with Jonathan. Which is an example for us to follow.
It took me about 13 minutes over two sittings to read this passage.
Stuart

2 Samuel 4-7

The second commandment lays out a principle that explains how God will treat those who hate him and those who worship him. David notes the fruit of being one who loves God; "a thoudand generations" will be blessed because of David's love in worshiping God. But David also acknowlegded that everything he had accomplished happened through God's provision. (2 Samuel 7:21). David voiced his faith in God and gave him great glory as he worshipped before the LORD. All of this praise and worship came from David's lips after he had been denied his request to build and establish a temple for the name of the LORD. That is another picture of the heart of a man of God; praising even when God says "No."
It took me 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Proverbs 31

The mother of king Lemuel warned him of two important pitfalls in life; sexuality and drink. To spend too much time blindly focusing on either one will be a distraction from the godly lifestyle that we need to pursue. For these things were not created so that we can drown our life in their intoxicating affects. When we do that we will miss out on the rewards of this life that God has planned and prepared for us. And we might miss the liberating hope of the future life as well.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

2 Samuel 1-3

As David grew closer to God I believe that he thought less with his flesh and more with a God shaped heart. Though he was ruthless to those outside of Israel he acted with compassion toward his fellow Jews. When Abner spoke of peace David agreed to meet him. And even though they were on opposite side of the kingdom David was willing to honor Abner's request. Unlike Joab, David sought the unity of Israel. That is to be an example to Christians today as well.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Proverbs 30

Milk; given strenuous conditions will produce curds. That is a constant. When the milk goes through the same process it produces curds. Likewise, every time a nose receives a sharp blow there will be blood. It doesn' matter what other circumstances are involved the blood will start when the nose is hit. The next comparision of verse 33 is the result of angry expressions.  If I respond to you in anger, whether you responded that way first or not, how can I expect anything but strife. If I spend 2 hour in the sun with no sunscreen why would I be surprised to have a sunburn? The lesson of this verse is to measure our response to any other person. Even if that means taking time to ponder the situation a long time before responding at all. A lesson that I need to learn and practice.
It took me about 6 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Philippians

Paul said in 4:11 that he had learned contentment in every situation. But he only hints at how he learned that lesson. I think it is plain; he learned to face hunger with contentment by being hungry. He was given abundance until he no longer sought anything else. He lived in need until contentment in that situation settled in his life. That is what we will face until have learned the same lessons.
It took me 17 minutes to read this book.
Stuart

1 Samuel 29-31

We don't know very much about the Egyptian who had been captured as a slave by the Amalekites. Surely he must have wondered why such an evil befell him that he should spend his life enslaved. Then on a raiding mission with his master he fell deathly ill. Unable to keep up with the raiding party he was left behind to die. Surely it was God who allowed him to be enslaved, and it was God who permitted the overwhelming sickness. But it was also God who sustained him in his weakness and sorrow for those three dreadful days. It was God who led David's path across his. Thus through all of these terrible events did God introduce this Egyptian to a man in pursduit of the LORD of Israel. That is why we should always look for God; even in times of pain and loss.
It took me about 11 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Proverbs 29

Where do you seek out justice? To whom do you plead for equitable treatment? I know that when I was young that Mom and Dad determined when I had been wronged. (Though very often they ruled that I was the guilty one) As I grew older there were other authority figures who laid out what was just. But the writer of this chapter makes it clear there is only one ruler who can rightly proclaim our fate. Only God has the ultimate authority.(vs 26) If we look to others first we are wasting our time. David's life followed this precept, as should mine.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 Samuel 26-28

The stories in chapters 26 and 28 display the contrast between the faith of David and that of Saul. While David continued to show his faith in God, Saul resorted to a medium to seek God's plans. David was tempted to take control of Saul's death, but he refused to put himself in the place of God. Though David was a warrior he knew that all of his battles were to be against those pagans who dwelt in the Promised Land.
It took me about 14 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Proverbs 28

Verse 13 speaks of the work of God's mercy. If we try to hide our sin from God he responds to our with-holding of truth by with-holding his blessings. There is no way that we can expect to receive any good when we are ignoring God's standards. But a life that is in tune with God's purpose for us, and is humble before God, that life will receive the greatest of all gifts: mercy.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 Samuel 23-25

I imagine the area being heavily wooded, just beginning to lighten as the sun rose.  The lone man was walking quietly, anxiety was in every step.  There was no observable path to follow.  He moved forward on a hope and a prayer; probably multiple prayers.  He prayed that God would lead him to his friend.  He prayed that God would keep the animals that had failed in the hunt during the night would not choose him as their next target.  He prayed that bandits or overly cautious rebels would not attack before challenging him.  Surely there were a few birds singing their morning songs, and the breaks in the canopy revealed a sky growing brighter with each passing step.  Jonathan son of king Saul was seeking out David and his men in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh.  Surely he had heard the reports of David's hiding place.  Even though he wasn't sure exactly where David might be he was still hoping to find his friend and encourage him.  I can see a couple of David's front guards spotting the prince through the trees.  They knew who Jonathan was, but did they know the relationship between the two men; closer than brothers.  They might have watched the trail behind Jonathan to make sure there wasn't anyone on his trail; friend or foe.  When they felt it was safe they called out to the solitary man, who stopped dead in his tracks.  I can picture them exchanging blessings in the name of the LORD and one of the front guards approached him and greeted him with a bow reserved for royalty.  The two journeyed deeper into the woods to see David.  Once they met Jonathan swore his allegiance to David and renewed their covenant before God.  It was a wonderful and sad time together that probably ended way too soon.  I wonder what David and Jonathan thought as the woods separated their view of each other; for that last time in this life.(speculated from 1 Samuel 23:16-18)
It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

1 Samuel 20-=22

David had sought refuge with Samuel for a while.  When Saul sent soldiers to take David the young king-to-be fled, probably to keep Samuel from danger.  In presenting himself before Jonathan David placed his life in the prince’s hand.  If he was guilty David would receive the punishment that he deserved.  Jonathan and David both knew of David’s allegiance to king Saul.  David sought to persuade Jonathan that he could find not safety in Saul’s army.  Jonathan must have considered his father as still just and rejected David’s allegation.  But as the next few days unfolded before his eyes Jonathan saw what his father had become; a politician determined to seek his place in history.  When a leader stops being a servant to God and the people he intended to lead he becomes a tyrant.  It must have been terribly sad for Jonathan and David to imagine that they would never spend time together again enjoying each other’s fellowship.  As they parted for the last time Jonathan blessed David; “Go in peace.”

It took me about 13 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Proverbs 27

Earlier tonight we read James 5:13-14, and Matthew 6:25-34. Their message on our control of the present and future are the same; we are limited. Then to read verse 1 of this chapter and see the same message is a wake up call. It is true to know that my plans are only effective when they line up with God's plans. I know that I am guilty of making daily plans without setting them before him. Just giving him the opportunity to comment on the plans is an act of surrender that I need to develope in my life.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 Samuel 16-19

Chapter 16 speaks of David’s selection by God as king.  The effects of God’s selection have a dramatic impact on David’s life.  David receives the attention of king Saul’s servants, and eventually the approval and fear of Saul.  The attributes that Saul’s servants saw in David; “skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the LORD is with him”(16:18) where the same characteristics that God values as well.  Since David had allowed God to develop those qualities in his life God raised him first to the position of the king’s attendant, then a leader in the king’s army, then the king’s son-in-law, and finally the king’s general.  The people also honored the man that God had selected because of these qualities.  We don’t know how quickly David rose from the young shepherd of Bethlehem to become the general of Saul’s army, but it is an example of how God honors those who persistently honor Him above all.

It took me 19 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

1 Samuel 13-15

I think that Jonathan would have made a good king; a better king that his father Saul.  1 Samuel 14:1-14 recounts Jonathan’s encounter with a group of 20 Philistines whom God enabled Jonathan to defeat when the odds were against him 20 to 2.  His faith is displayed I verse 6 when he said, “nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.”  We walked in faith as he approached the Philistines and God gave the victory.  He recognized to foolishness of his father’s curse on anyone who ate while they pursued the Philistines, but he also surrendered his life to the same oath before the people stopped Saul from keeping his vow.  It is no wonder that Jonathan would befriend a young warrior who’s heart was also steeped in the faith that the LORD can do anything.

It took me about 20 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Proverbs 26

I can clearly picture the point of verse 8. Take a stone and tie it into the pouch of a sling. No matter how hard the sling is spun the stone never leaves. As a weapon it is only good for show. As a shepherd's tool it will retrieve no wandering lamb. As a hunting device it would stun no quarry. A sling with a stone fixed in the pouch has no practical use; it will produce no fruit. Such is the fruit when a foolish person is given an honor.
It took about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 Samuel 10-12

Twice in this passage Samuel presents the king of the jews to the people (11:24; 12:2). King Saul stood before the people receiving the acknowledgement from the people. But he also heard the harsh words from God; this kingdom was not in God's purpose. How would it feel to be selected to be the lead character in a play and then be told that the director doesn't want that character? How anout being elected to an public office and then have a judge rule the office is illegal? Saul had the priviledge of being Israel's first human king but he also possessed the understanding that God had something better than this Benjamite for their king. I think that would have been a difficult burden to bear. I wonder if God offered king Saul the same message of endurance that he would later give Saul of Tarsus; "My grace is sufficent for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
It took me about 14 minutes in two sittings to read this passage.
Stuart

1 Samuel 4-6

It has always been a struggle for people to live under the rule of God.  Even the church has struggled with this over the centuries.  We want someone we can see as our leaders.  The church has appointed men of esteem into leadership positions.  Then the people push on them responsibilities and privileges that God never intended men to hold.  When they fall to temptation the people react by complain to God.  Ancient Israel acted in the very same way.  They wanted a man to lead them like all the other nations possessed.  God had Samuel warn them of the costs to their children, but the stubborn and prideful hearts of people wouldn’t allow God’s truth to penetrate.  I think that it is important for us to remember this lesson.  When we confirm local leadership we should pray for them, but also not expect miracles from them.  They are people just like us.  Only God can provide the leadership that we, and our leaders, really need and deep down want.  We should challenge all of our leaders, political and within the church, “to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age”(Titus 2:12).  We should hold them accountable to the Biblical standards which never change, as opposed to our wishes that vary like the waves on the sea.  When we do that in love they will be happy and effective leaders, we will be joyful followers, and God will be glorified.

It took me about 11 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Proverbs 25

God must love playing hide and seek. Maybe he built that game into the hearts of people. Solomon noted that God consealed things so that his glory may be seen as that which was consealed is revealed. Our leaders should spend time in honest investigation of all that God has created. The more we understand what God has made the greater our appreciation of his wisdom and power.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 Samuel 4-6

Israel repeatedly rejected God’s lead and so once again he brought the Philistines to torment them.  When Israel went to battle they were defeated before the Philistines.  In the loss of ark of God’s covenant was captured by the Philistines.  Probably the ruler of Ashdod had first laid hold of the ark which is why it was brought to that city.  The day the ark arrived in Ashdod there must have been a shout of victory by the people; they had defeated Israel and their God.  But God wasn’t done with the Philistines because of their arrogance toward him.  First he humbled the image of their god.  Then he began the process of humbling the people of Ashdod; painful tumors and a rodent infestation came against the people.  Soon the victors realized that the battle was still being fought and they were losing.  The brave men of Gath must have mocked those miserable warriors in Ashdod.  They too mocked Israel’s God and took the ark into their city.  Those leaders learned that courage and strength meant nothing to the God of Israel.  Soon they fell to the same fate as their brothers in Ashdod.  The leaders must have gathered together to discuss the situation, for next they chose Ekron as the “resting place” for this symbol of victory in battle over Israel.  But the people of that city already knew the story about the ark.  They rebelled against the leaders decision.  Their chant was “Not I My Backyard.”  This story is a lesson to modern people as well.  God will not loose a battle.  It may look like he is defeated but he never rests when his name is being mocked.  The shouts of victory will soon turn into cries of pain and fear.  We can stand fast in the truth that our God, who fought in similar fashion against the Philistines will continue to fight against any modern rebel.

It took me about 9 minutes to read the story of the ark in Philistine hands.

Stuart

1 Samuel 1-3

I wonder how the events of chapter 3 seems to flow from Eli’s perspective?  We don’t know the time delay from the man of God speaking God’s judgment to Eli (1 Samuel 2:27-36) and the night that the LORD first spoke to Samuel, but I’m sure Eli pondered God’s words the rest of his life.  Here is how I would portray the events of that fateful night.

I picture Eli laying down for the night as he always did.  His mind restless because of his sons’ immorality and God’s words he might have had a difficult time falling to sleep.  Then just as he dozed off he was shaken awake by young Samuel.  “Here I am.  You called me!” The young voice questioned urgently.  Eli may have sent him back to sleep wondering if he had called out Samuel’s name in his sleep.  After a few minutes of quiet Eli was awoken again by the young man with the same words.  He may have spoken sternly.  Roughly ordering the young man back to rest while inwardly questioning Samuel’s sanity.  But the third time was somehow different.  Maybe Samuel was less alert when he approached Eli, or maybe his voice betrayed his frustration at the apparent trick that the old priest was playing on him.  Maybe Eli hadn’t fallen asleep this time, but listened intently to the darkness of the tabernacle, straining his weak ears for the voice that Samuel kept hearing.  For a long time he heard nothing.  And then the feet of the young man walked tentatively into his bed chamber; “Here I am.  You called me.”  Samuel was convince that someone was trying to get his attention, and Eli knew of one who was always seeking to get the attention of those who would listen.  The old priest gave Samuel different instructions this time as he sent him back to his mat.  Eli knew God would keep speaking to Samuel until the young man paid attention.  Even though his eyesight was poor he surely noticed the change in attitude of Samuel with these new instructions.  I imagine that though they both lay down neither one slept the rest of the night.  While Samuel heard God’s voice and his judgment on Eli’s house, Eli only hear one sentence the rest of the night; Samuel answering God.  As Samuel was awed by the wonderful voice of the LORD, Eli was surrounded by the silence of the night.  I wonder who wept harder that night?

It took me about 16 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Proverbs 24

What message does a kiss on the lips convey? Passion, openness, love, protection, mercy, acceptance, adoration, and many other positive and endearing desires. The writes of verse 26 compares this picture and all of its traits to a honestly spoken word. We know that to speak the truth is right, but we are reminded here that it is a way of demonstrating the content of our heart to those who witness our lives in our words and actions.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Galatians 4-6

I like the fact that Paul refers to the believers through out Galatia as heirs. He paints this picture with a very wide brush. So it is obvious to me that that claim was avaliable to every first century believer because God is not limited geographically. And since that is true it means that all believers throughout time have a stake in the exact same inheritence. This is true because God is not limited by time either. All believers everywhere cry out to God, "Abba, Father" because the same Spirit who sealed the hearts of those early believers dwells in believers 20 centuries later, because God never changes. As I said earlier; I like what Paul says to those believers throughout Galatia.

It took me about 8 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Galatians 1-3

Paul wrote this letter to address the problem of the believers following a “different” Gospel.  Paul was being very clear in his response to this claim; “let him be accursed.”  Was Paul being judgmental?  Was Paul being intolerant?  Was Paul infringing upon someone spiritual liberty?  Paul’s stand was based upon the truth that there is only one Gospel and it is the eternal, unchangeable message of grace through the cross of Jesus.  Is there room for personal expression of faith?  Of course.  But that freedom stops when we touch the foundational message of the Gospel.  If we say, as has happened in the past, that a Christian wears their best clothes when they gather with other believers have we not attempted to present a “different” Gospel?  The traps of the enemy are often hidden in the well intended words of faithful people.  I know that I have been guilty of believing a “different” Gospel many times in my Christian walk.  And I know that I will face the temptation to “improve” the Gospel numerous time until I meet Jesus.  But I have no excuse.  It is not MY Gospel; it’s God’s.  And he has laid it out plainly.  It is my job, our responsibility, to follow it as he revealed it. My personal preferences have nothing to do with God’s grace.  When I sit and think about it I don’t want it any other way.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Proverbs 23

Verse 23 of chapter 23 seems to point to the validity of advanced education. But I don't think the point is to focus on earning degrees and citations. We need to be guided rightly in this life. If we adhere to closely to human wisdom we will deceive ourselves and plunge us into the ways of evil. The truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding we are to seek is that which comes from God. Pursuing truth without seek God is like searching through a maze without remembering where you've been. 
It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter of proverbs.
Stuart

Ruth

In verses 16 and 17 of the first chapter Ruth makes a vow to the LORD. Too often I had seen this as a promise made to Naomi but her last statement is a promise made in God's name. Something had happen to Ruth in the years of her marriage to Mahlon and relationship with her mother-in-law. Ruth must have grasped the hope in God that was lacking in the idol worship of Moab. But it was not in Naomi's abundance that Ruth saw the hope of the LORD. Naomi's journey TO Moab seemed more wonderous than her time IN Moab. But her faith was displayed most strongly in the triple losses of her husband and two sons. As Naomi was emptied God was glorified before Ruth. It was a faith that stood strong in sorrow that drew Ruth to Naomi and her God.
It took me about 15 minutes to read Ruth's story.
Stuart

Romans 14-16

I know that I’ve met many who are “weak in the faith”.  I also know that I probably haven’t made it easy for all of them to grow in their faith.  But I recall a number of times when I was “weak in the faith” and how the wise people around me helped me out.  Again and again I was encouraged to offer grace to those whose actions offended me.  I was challenged to engage in honest inquiry and discussion rather than jumping to conclusions.  My preconceived assumptions were exposed and tested by the words of scripture.  Looking back I see that my faith was tested so that I would mature in my faith.  Some believers did cast stumbling blocks in my path, but other believers were there to help me around them.  I believe that I may be wrong regarding some of my stances in the faith, but I also know that in the vast majority of other areas there is neither a right or wrong stance.  What matters in those cases where disagreements arise is how I respond to other believers.  I’d like to say I can define who is “weak in the faith”.  I know I don’t have a list to follow.  But I’m not sure that Paul was focusing on the “weak” as he was addressing the needs of the individual to act with a mature and gracious nature.

It took me about 14 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Proverbs 22

In verse 4 the writer mentions two traits that we should all seek to enbrace; humility and fear of the LORD. These are two traits that our culture says makes us weak and ignorant. I'm not sure there is anyone who is given attention these days who proclaim these two characteristics as valuable. There are plenty of people who do but their words are masked from the mass presentation of the media and entertainment industries. From whay I know of him Tony Dungee possesses both of these traits. For a little while he was given broad attention. Now he may be largely ignored but I believe God will keep his promise to Tony. Because of that I don't think we have seen the last of that man of character.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Romans 12-13

“For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.”  Paul recorded that statement in Romans 13:11 completely unaware of the course of events that his life would take over the next few years.  But it really doesn’t matter how life unfolds before us.  With each passing hour we draw closer to eternity.  The only thing we don’t know is how much time is left.  But that is the reality of faith; confidence in what is unseen, and unknown.  I need to remind myself of that truth every day.  Since I am in a battle with the desires of this flesh it’s good for me to work with a deadline in mind.  Since the deadline could be today I must press on.  Not that I will accomplish my salvation, but by submitting to God he will complete it in my through Jesus.

It took me about 6 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Romans 9-11

Paul cites from Exodus 9:16 when he references Pharaoh’s part of God’s plan in Romans 9:17.  “For this purpose I have raised you up….”  If God used Pharaoh to advance his will, and he used Moses to advance that same will in the time of the exodus should we doubt that God will use us today?  We can look around at the groaning of creation and wonder what God is doing, but we must encourage one another to stand in faith that he is working out his will in us and through us.  That will brings about wonderful good for those who believe.  It means that every mistake we make God can use for his honor.  When we fail because we are weak and vulnerable God uses that to display how great and powerful he is.  For the believer God is at work to bring about the redemption of men.  In these trying times that is a message on which all our hopes should hang.

It took me 13 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Proverbs 21

The second verse in this chapter is a proverb that speaks mountains with regard to ethics. The words challenge me to compare all of my plans to the words of the Bible. They also open the door of accountability. I need to provide my words and intentions to other believers who I trust. They will provide an objective evauation of my plans. Even believer who may disagree with me, they are valuable treasures for any goal I am pursuing. I must be honest and realize that my sin nature doesn't like God working in my life. It will take hold of any situation it finds and turn it into a temptation to sin. Knowing that up front helps me to work to secure guides who will not be "yes men" but will stand for what is right.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Romans 6-8

We do not like the term slave.  I’m guessing that those people who own slaves would find the label more detestable than those of us who only know slavery from history.  Life-long enslavement and short-term bond enslavement was common among the first century Mediterranean people.  So when Paul penned 6:16 there must have been a shudder go through the hearts of many of those who heard his message.  Paul makes it very clear in this section that we ARE ALL slaves.  The outstanding question is; To whom?  As Christians there are two slave masters tugging on our lives; sin and obedience.  (Those outside of Christ bow to one master.)  Paul goes on to point out that the master Obedience has the strength to win every battle.  But there is a component of faith in our hearts that will move us to follow that master.  When we obey this master then we will find no chains in our lives.  We are still slaves, but were realize that it is an honor and a freedom that accompanies this slavery.  In this slavery we have joy unspeakable and full of glory.

It took me about 17 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Romans 4-5

In Genesis 15:6 it is recorded that Abraham believed that God would keep his promises. Paul explains in this passage that God gave Abraham a gift just because he conformed his life's expectations around God's promises. He didn't look at just one promise, but all of them. As he faced each test of his faith he trusted God. God tested Abraham's faith in many ways. Each one more difficult and challenging than the other.  But as he faced each challenge, when he stared disappointment and his own sinfulness in the face he always went back to God's promises and stood firm. That is his legacy to us.
It took me about 8 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Proverbs 20

What is it that I value most? Gold is a valuable that quickly comes to mind. But Solomon challenges me to consider what I value. I've heard manu women echo the chorus that diamonds are a. girl's best friend. I have also heard repeated words about the strength and stablizing work of family. Verse 15 of this chapter mentions these two; describing them with disdain. When we have gained a mouth that is a fountain of wisdom then we will possess a great treasure.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Romans 1-3

I know that I have a tendancy to evaluate someone's faith by the way I see them living their lives. Do they attend community worship regularly? Do they participate in dicussions? Are they reading the word? Do they reach out to help the poor? Do they speak of Jesus' grace to others? All of these actions could be compared to circumcision as Paul writes about in 2:28-29. The question each believer should be asking themselves; "are these actions my faith or are they the fruits of my faith in God?" Paul said that "circumcision is a matter of the heart." How am I living that in my life?
It took me 14 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Judges 19-21

There was a group of worthless men living in Gibeah who focused their energy on gratifying their sexual  passions.  They had no regard for the Law.  So why wouldn’t the leaders of Gibeah bring them to justice?  I don’t understand the reasoning behind the protection and military defense of those who were guilty of sexual assault and murder.  It sound like all of the elders of the tribe of Benjamin stood behind these worthless men because they were of Benjamin.  Tribal pride is the only answer I can see.  Benjamin forsook the unity of Israel in order to “preserve” the unity of their family.  That pride cost Israel dearly.  Not only did Benjamin loose most of their people but the rest of Israel suffered a terrible loss of life.  I think a lesson from this is the focus of our allegiances.  It is natural to protect those closest to us; even to the point of excusing their immoral behavior in favor of close ties.  But God has called his people to a higher standard.  We are each responsible to be right with God first.  If we stubbornly refuse to live godly lives we may be jeopardizing our lives and our eternal relationship with God.

It took me 19 minutes to read this sad passage of Israel’s history.

Stuart